Changes on the proof of language proficiency rule

Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors in Canada's Points System. To prove language proficiency in French or English, applicants could either submit IELTS Examination Results or a written submission to a visa officer. The written submission was intended for people whose first language is either English or French. If the Visa Officer is not satisfied with the written submission, they are required to offer these applicants the opportunity to submit the results of a designated language test within a certain time period. That was rule before.

Ottawa, March 10, 2010 — The Government of Canada is streamlining the process for assessing the language skills of applicants to the Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience classes, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“The language requirements themselves have not changed,” said Minister Kenney. “But beginning April 10, 2010, prospective immigrants will be required to prove their English and French language abilities at the time they apply. This requirement supports our commitment to fast, fair and efficient application processing.”

Previously, to prove language ability in French or English, applicants could either submit an independent, third-party test or a written submission to a visa officer. The written submission was intended for people whose first language is either English or French. However, many applicants whose first language was not English or French were taking advantage of the written submission. The submission wouldn’t adequately prove their ability and they would have to provide further evidence, leading to processing delays that could take months.[Source]

This change in the proof of language proficiency rules shouldn't really affect you if you are a client of Canadian Immigration Consultancy. We do not encourage written submission as proof of language proficiency, as we know that it will only cause delay in the process and worst, possible cause of refusal.